Janet Ishbel Gray
August 31st, 2023
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear sister, aunt, Granish, cousin and friend; Janet Ishbel Gray.
Jan was predeceased by her parents Dorothy and Ewen. She is survived by her sisters, Becky (Richard Walter), Barb Hoinkes, Marilyn (Alastair Nicoll) and her only brother Gordon (Dorothy Cooper), their children, cousin Judy Davis (Murray Westerlund), and special extended family of Luis Salgado and Sandra Bassendowski, as well as many dear and faithful friends to numerous to mention.
Her father’s career with the RCMP led Jan to many small towns in Saskatchewan eventually settling in Saskatoon where she completed high school and then the University of Saskatchewan to complete a degree in Nursing. After a short stint of nursing Jan wanted to expand her education and completed a Master of Education degree at St FX University in Nova Scotia in Adult Education. This enabled her to teach, mentor and lead a career in health services locally, nationally, and internationally influencing the delivery of nursing education in Canada, Dominique, Indonesia, and Nepal. Jan wrapped up her career within the policy sector of adult advanced education, once again demonstrating her leadership and knowledge. A well-respected colleague!
Jan was passionate about many things of which shopping was at the top of the list. We lovingly referred to her as the “fashion police” which entitled her to dissect our wardrobes and dictate what we could keep, donate, and dispose of.
She was an avid traveller and had the opportunity to visit many countries in the world. Jan always appreciated and respected tradition, cuisine, and culture. Often her travels were reflected in her entertaining back home.
Jan loved playing card games whether it was bridge, her weekly hand & foot canasta or Go Fish with her great nieces and nephews. Her enjoyment of the games was never determined by the winning or losing of the loonie prize, although winning was important.
Jan’s other passion was card making. We always looked forward to her special Christmas, birthday, and Halloween cards – Jan’s special way of reaching out to those she loved.
Jan had a special and unique relationship with her nieces and nephews and loved each of them dearly. Carmen, Teri, Allen, Murray, Rachel, Reanna, Anne, Angus, Laura, Sarah, Richard, Laura, Thomas, Jen, Jonathon, Andrew and their respective children David, Beth, Kate, Nicholas, Frances, Oliver, Hannah, Grayson, Jack, Finn, Claire, Mari, Taej, Nisha, Henry, Emma, Ryan, Georgia, Oscar, Nicholas, Harriot, Roman, Richter and Franca may you all remember her love, guidance, and support.
While we all have our favourite encounters with Jan they may be aptly captured in descriptors like: Bitch, Card Fiend, White Woman with Solar Panels, Force to be Reckoned With, Strong, Button Pusher, Connector, Baker, Shopper Extraordinaire, Knitter, Caterer, Mentor, Compassionate, Caring, Witty, Fun and above all a True and Loyal Friend.
The family is grateful for the compassionate care Jan received while hospitalized, especially her last few days at the Pasqua Hospital Palliative Care Unit.
For those wishing to acknowledge Jan’s memory please consider a random act of kindness or a donation to a charity of your choice.
Always remember one of her favourite mantra’s “It’s OK to Spoil Yourself”.
Messages:
My sympathy to Jan's family and friends Sandra and Luis. I was in nurses training with Jan and in the past 2 years we renewed our friendship while planning our nursing reunion. She was a witty and quick thinking person and will be missed.
I first met "cousin" Jan through her cousin Judy. She was truly a great gal. One of my favorite and most vivid memories was going to New York City with Jan and Judy back in the 80's - my first ever trip to Manhattan. We had a lot of fun. I was very sorry to learn of her passing and extend my deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Remember the good times!
Jan was a nursing classmate of mine at the University of Saskatchewan. Following university we did not see one another for many years, however it was my pleasure to work on a planning committee to organize a reunion recognizing our 50th anniversary since graduating. The committee enjoyed and benefited from Jan’s valuable input. We feel very blessed to have spent considerable time planning with Jan and she left a special gift for those who attended by creating a memory booklet with photos from the event. Condolences to all of Jan’s family. Doreen McKinnon
I first met Jan through my sister Louise. A short time later she started telling me she was my third sister. We had many arguments about where we should go out for Dinner. I hardly ever won one. So we finally rotated between her choice the North Keg and mine the Cottage. I saved all the cards she sent me and Marie and they the mean so much to us. We will really miss her. Laird & Marie Wilson, Regina, Saskatchewan. Canada
So sad to hear of Jan's passing. She was a very kind and generous with her time. Jan was a great neighbor during her many winters in Indio, CA Condolences to the family. Roy and Gail Unger
So sorry to hear the news of Jan's passing. Only got to know her in Indio, loved her the minute we met. She always deposited a bag GF every year at the end of her stay for Elvin. Finally could return the favor when I found out she liked Christmas fruit cake. Hugs to the family. She will be missed.
My condolences to Jan’s family and friends. She was one of a kind. Louise St. Onge
I must of felt Jan as my Mother and I were giggling and laughing not too many days before this sad news! We were reminiscing about our fun times with Jan there were many . Jan was my room mate through England, Germany France Austria etc...i was 13 then lucky Jan lol She took us to meet relatives in London. She taught me so many things ..." Sheep shit " for sure when I was 10 .. We had so so many laughs . She bought a very expensive Vogue magazine in Austria only to find out it was in French she did not go out that night.. the faces she could pull. Trips to Saskatoon one in a very bad blizzard and we stayed in the Davidson Hotel which I thought as an 11 year old that it might burn. Shopping with her was the best. All through Europe and air planes we played Crazy 8's for a month kept score on air sick bags.. Jan played a huge role in my young life. She taught me A LOT made me happy and treated me with respect helped me laugh at life ! I will cherish her memories Jan had a deadly sense of wit and humor !! So sorry for this tremendous loss ! All My LUv Allison.
So sorry to hear of Jan's passing. Condolences to the family. RIP..
Reading the many tributes to Jan is a walk back in time. So many warm memories of good times shared with Jan and special friends. I smile and feel a deep gratitude for the gift of knowing her. Although my children are adults, they still refer to her fondly as “ Auntie Jan”. She was a very talented lady and influenced so many lives. Our condolences to her family. Your constant presence in final days conveyed how special she was and the special relationship fostered over the years. Warm hugs to Sandra and family. You shared a special, loving, supportive relationship. I’m so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Jan, thank you for the memories. Ian,Shirley & family.
Dear family and friends of Jan, especially Sandra, Luis, Andrew, Jonathan and families, We are so sorry to learn of Jan's passing. She was a special friend to you, and a wonderful woman. We just got back from a road trip in which George had commented, upon seeing some road kill, that he should pick it up for Jan! They had a longstanding tease about George leaving road kill for Jan in her mailbox, which would make her shudder. Jan was a mentor to me from my early days when we shared 3D at Pasqua Hospital as a clinical area for teaching, then she served as team leader and Dean. Her legacy includes countless nurses she educated and all those impacted by her work in government in her later years. Jan will be remembered.
My condolences to Jan's family and friends. I have very fond memories of times that I spent with Jan. The world will miss her fun quips and style.
I had the pleasure of working with and being friends with Jan for nearly 25 years. Her legacy of honesty, humour, kindness and a strong work ethic will be remembered. Many of these traits will be carried on as she was a mentor figure to many of us. Her love for card playing, card making and shopping made for many great hours together. Sending thoughts and care to her family and friends.
Our condolences to Jan’s family and close friends. We have fond memories of happy times spent with Jan, Shirley, Ian McKay, KeithDonna Brunskill RIP Jan.
Our condolences to the Gray Family. I was saddened to hear of Jan's passing. I knew Jan first as a colleague at SIAST and then we became friends. In the early days she visited our cottage with mutual friends, where we dined together and I gave her boats rides on Katepwa Lake. My husband and I enjoyed her bright mind and quick whit, and we always expected her to share her views on many aspects of the world in her strident manner. She also shared her time and talents; I still treasure a couple of her special cards which she enjoyed creating and giving away. In later years, I was in her "nurses" luncheon group and she introduced me to the Fod-Map Diet long before my GP had heard about it. I learned quickly too, that she did not like losing at cards. In many ways she was an icon of her time and someone I will miss. It was a privilege to have had her as a friend. Please let us know If you decide to have a future "gathering" in her honour. Our Sincere Sympathies to your entire Family, Floralyn & Warren Wessel
Sincere sympathy to Jan's family and friends. Jan was a bright industrious and sincere colleague. I will miss her quips and good humour and good counsel. RIP.
May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Giant hugs and my deepest condolences to Jan’s family and dearest friends. Your devotion to Jan, especially over these past few months, has been a true labour of love. May Jan rest in peace and may pink candles adorn your homes in memory of your dear departed sister, auntie and dear friend.
Indio will not be the same without my card playing, casino going, film festival buddy. She came all the way to Kamloops for card playing marathons at the Shuswap and fit in so well with my "ladies days" group. So sorry for your families loss and thanks so much for your care in her final days Marilyn and Barb. Goodbye friend.